Laconia-----Paul Lacroix, Sr., age 83, of 27 Regis Road, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2013 at the Laconia Rehabilitation Center-Genesis HealthCare with his wife, Regis, and two daughters, Priscilla and Anna, by his side. He had been in failing health since December.
Paul was born January 29, 1930 in Laconia to parents, Lucien and Florence (Brady) Lacroix. He was educated at St. John Parochial School in Laconia. In 1948, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he received his diploma.
Paul served overseas for ten years and while there took part in the Berlin Airlift for which he received official recognition. On returning home, he enlisted in the Army Reserves. He was promoted several times and in 1988 retired with the rank of Master Sgt. as food instructor.
Paul was also an agent for the John Hancock Life Insurance Co. and retired in 1990 after twenty-five years of service and enjoying several Honor Clubs. He was also Grand Knight for three terms in the local Knights of Columbus Council #428 and was a member of the 4th Degree #628 Monsignor Sliney Assembly. He was a member of the American Legion Wilkins Smith Post No 1 in Laconia and was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Laconia Post No 1670. He was a founding member of the FDR Memorial in Washington, D.C. and strong supporter of the VFW World War II Memorial.
Paul was a life member of St. Andre Bessette Parish, St. Joseph Church in Laconia and in his younger days was a choir member. Paul loved to sing and his baritone voice could really be heard.
Besides being a “week-end warrior” for the Army Reserves, Paul enjoyed hunting, camping with his family, playing horseshoes, cribbage and watching the Red Sox on TV. He especially enjoyed the cross-country trip taken with his wife and two cats in their motor home.
Paul is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Regis, of Laconia ; sons, Paul, Jr. and his wife, Debbie, of Bridgewater and Michael and his wife, Holly, of Rutland, Vermont; daughters, Cheryl and her husband, Skip, Priscilla and Anna, all of Laconia; twelve grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren and nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Albert, Roland and Robert, and sisters, Marie and Lorraine.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 29, 2013 from 6:00-8:00PM in the Carriage House of the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Andre Bessette Parish- St. Joseph Church, 30 Church Street, Laconia, N.H. on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at 10:00 AM.
Burial will follow in the family lot in St. Lambert Cemetery, Laconia, N.H.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Holy Trinity Catholic School, 50 Church Street, Laconia, NH 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.